One Cut of the Dead initially premiered in Japan with modest expectations, opening in a small Tokyo art house theater for a brief six-day run. However, its meteoric rise to international acclaim soon followed, propelled by glowing reviews and enthusiastic audience reception. Garnering attention at prestigious film festivals such as the Udine Far East Film Festival, the film quickly gained traction, leading to a wider release both in Japan and abroad.
One Cut of the Dead’s success at the box office is nothing short of remarkable, grossing over a thousand times its humble budget and earning accolades as one of Japan’s highest-grossing domestic films of 2018. Earning a total of $31.2 million worldwide, the movie’s infectious charm and irresistible humor captivated audiences around the world, cementing its status as a cult classic.